MR SMYTH (continuing):

valuing cultural and linguistic diversity is about ensuring that all Canberrans enjoy equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities to participate in, contribute to and benefit from all aspects of life in the ACT; and

utilising cultural and linguistic diversity is about ensuring that all Canberrans have opportunities to contribute their skills and talents for the social, economic and cultural development of the community.

The Framework for a Multicultural Australian Capital Territory 2001 2005 sets out the ACT Government's guiding principles against each of the three goals, together with specific actions to be undertaken during 2001-2002.

At the end of each financial year, government agencies will report on the achievement of these actions in their departmental annual reports and develop a listing of actions to be undertaken in the following year.

The Framework also requires the ACT Office of Multicultural and Community Affairs in my Department to submit an annual report to me as Minister for Community Affairs on key highlights and emerging issues in the management of multicultural affairs in the ACT.

This report will be based on information gathered by the Office in consultation with ACT Government agencies and community organisations. Rather than duplicating the information contained in agency annual reports concerning their achievements in implementing the Framework, the focus of this report will be on broad strategy, future directions and whole-of-government implementation.

The community and business sectors will play an important role in the review of the implementation of the Framework by providing feedback during consultation.

Key business and community groups in the ACT have been supportive about the notion of the Framework's implementation being a shared responsibility among the government, community and business sectors.

I am proud of the Government's record in promoting multiculturalism, and I believe that this Framework will enhance and focus our activities even further.

I commend the Framework for a Multicultural Australian Capital Territory 2001-2005 to the Assembly.

Sharing the Benefits: Final Report of the ACT Poverty Task Group-ACT Government response, dated April 2001.